Require Regular Water Safety Testing at NYC Beaches
Enacted on Jun 16, 2026Signed into law by the Mayor.
Signed into Law
Local Law 2026/091
✦ Plain-Language Summary
This bill would require the city to test water at recreational waterfront areas like beaches and parks for dangerous substances such as harmful algae and oil pollution. Testing would happen weekly during summer months and monthly the rest of the year, with results posted online within three days so residents can make informed decisions about swimming and water activities.
Details
- Introduced
- Mar 10, 2026
- Passed Council
- May 16, 2026
- Enacted
- May 16, 2026
- Body
- Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts
- Type
- Introduction
- Status
- Enacted
Sponsors (5)
Official Description
This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct water quality testing at at least 15 testing sites within New York City’s waterbodies. The bill would require DEP to choose such testing sites in areas that are used for secondary contact recreation such as boating and fishing, within 1,000 feet of a combined sewer outfall, and within 5 to 20 feet of a waterbody’s shore or other access point, or as close as possible to a shore or other access point while maintaining 5 feet of water depth. Under this bill, such testing would be required monthly from November to April, and weekly from May to October. Finally, the bill would require DEP to post their water quality testing results online—bacteria results would be posted every week, and other water quality indicators would be posted quarterly.